Suggestions for upgrades from FFR kit

[Stangrob]

Hi gents,

Well, I pulled the trigger this week and have my order in for a 289 USRRC roadster kit. Since I have a one-car garage and still have my last finished project in there I opted for an October delivery to give me time to sell the car and make some upgrades in the garage before the kit is delivered by Stewart.

I've read that many builders upgrade some of the parts that come with the kit, and I was hoping to get some input in that space. That also goes with some of the options that I went with. If you guys have any suggestions on what I'm better off replacing, or perhaps where I'm better off getting some of the optional items I'd really appreciate it!

Here's how I currently have my kit spec'ed out:
- Hydraulic clutch
- Factory side pipes and J-tubes
- IRS (going with a donor rear end and refurbish accordingly)
- Power steering
- FFR 289 GPS gauges
- Leather buckets
- 289 rollbar with Petty bar
- Ford 11" front brakes
- 15" Halibrands
- Wood steering wheel
- USRRC trunk
- Blank dash (really want to be able to use the speedo ;) )
- Wind wings
- Sun visors
- Trunk gas strut kit
- Wiper kit
- Battery cut-off
- Heater/Defroster
- Seat track kit
- Assembled side louvers
- Front brake duct set

BTW I'm still going through the pin drive vs. five-lug debate in my head, so the rear end may change to a solid rear axle ;)

Thanks!

Rob

[Busydoingnothing]

Hi gents,

Well, I pulled the trigger this week and have my order in for a 289 USRRC roadster kit. Since I have a one-car garage and still have my last finished project in there I opted for an October delivery to give me time to sell the car and make some upgrades in the garage before the kit is delivered by Stewart.

I've read that many builders upgrade some of the parts that come with the kit, and I was hoping to get some input in that space. That also goes with some of the options that I went with. If you guys have any suggestions on what I'm better off replacing, or perhaps where I'm better off getting some of the optional items I'd really appreciate it!

Here's how I currently have my kit spec'ed out:
- Hydraulic clutch
- Factory side pipes and J-tubes
- IRS (going with a donor rear end and refurbish accordingly)
- Power steering
- FFR 289 GPS gauges
- Leather buckets
- 289 rollbar with Petty bar
- Ford 11" front brakes
- 15" Halibrands
- Wood steering wheel
- USRRC trunk
- Blank dash (really want to be able to use the speedo ;) )
- Wind wings
- Sun visors
- Trunk gas strut kit
- Wiper kit
- Battery cut-off
- Heater/Defroster
- Seat track kit
- Assembled side louvers
- Front brake duct set

BTW I'm still going through the pin drive vs. five-lug debate in my head, so the rear end may change to a solid rear axle ;)

Thanks!

Rob

I see you have not gotten a response yet. I am also looking to order a FFR 289 kit. Since 90%+ buyers get the 427 body, I guess it translates to less input/support from others. It appears that even if you exclude the engine/transmission that depending how close you want to get to the five original FIA 289’s you could easily add another $10-15k in parts on top of the “complete” FFR kit.

[Tango]

Not too long ago, I was on the outside looking in, thinking about my future project and wanting advice. I am currently about to have my first engine start (added transmission fluid, oil & coolant this evening) on my MKV. I went the complete kit route. I have an entire box that I refer to as my “black hole box” which contains components or sub components which I paid for and came with the complete kit that I have since chosen to go in a different direction. As has been said before, building these cars with the stock components will result in a fine car. When I got into it, I chose to have silicone tubing rather than thin rubber for example. I guess I was/am surprised at how much of the complete kit I have as extra parts. My key learning was/is maintain flexibility as long as you can and wait before you financially commit to a given component because your tastes can change. In all fairness I have extra parts that I purchased above and beyond the complete kit which also reside in the black hole box. I look forward to seeing your build come together.

[Stangrob]

Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback. I think Busydoingnothing hit it on the head with regards to the followers of this subtopic - there are just a LOT fewer of us building/planning to build the 289 FIA car. I've recently started posting questions on the Roadster forum that would be common for a Mk 4-based car. I will usually state that I'm building the 289 car, but regardless that pool is much larger and active. I will be posting my build on the 289 FIA sub-thread once I start - thankfully quite a few others also have active builds here too.

Tango, I recently finished restoring a '65 Falcon, which is hopefully going to a new home tomorrow, so I'll have room for my FFR build. The new owner is getting a lot of extra pieces and parts that I picked up along the way that for some reason or another didn't get used in my project. I totally expect to have a plastic tub of parts after I wrap up my build that will need another home. I suspect there will be quite a few upgrades, plus personalizations that'll drive that. Just how big that plastic tub will be is the question ;)

Rob

[Tango]

So true, the black hole box is probably the most frequently upgraded container I have. :). I went full in with the AC install and there are a lot of hoses and fittings that found their way in there. One of the recent reorganizing moves I did was to put that black hole box as far away from my active inventory parts as possible….get it out of the way so I can focus on what I need rather than what I don’t need. Back to your list of options….one suggestion/idea would be to think about the difference between “during the build” and a “permanent” battery cutoff switch solution. For example, between now and the time my car gets it’s final tune and is ready to graduate, I want a for sure, everything is off because I am working on other parts of the car. Down the road I want a cutoff that will kill the fuel pump and shut the car down in the event of an emergency. Those are 2 different use cases and may have different solutions. Just something to think about.

[Busydoingnothing]

Not too long ago, I was on the outside looking in, thinking about my future project and wanting advice. I am currently about to have my first engine start (added transmission fluid, oil & coolant this evening) on my MKV. I went the complete kit route. I have an entire box that I refer to as my “black hole box” which contains components or sub components which I paid for and came with the complete kit that I have since chosen to go in a different direction. As has been said before, building these cars with the stock components will result in a fine car. When I got into it, I chose to have silicone tubing rather than thin rubber for example. I guess I was/am surprised at how much of the complete kit I have as extra parts. My key learning was/is maintain flexibility as long as you can and wait before you financially commit to a given component because your tastes can change. In all fairness I have extra parts that I purchased above and beyond the complete kit which also reside in the black hole box. I look forward to seeing your build come together.


Hi gents,

Well, I pulled the trigger this week and have my order in for a 289 USRRC roadster kit. Since I have a one-car garage and still have my last finished project in there I opted for an October delivery to give me time to sell the car and make some upgrades in the garage before the kit is delivered by Stewart.

I've read that many builders upgrade some of the parts that come with the kit, and I was hoping to get some input in that space. That also goes with some of the options that I went with. If you guys have any suggestions on what I'm better off replacing, or perhaps where I'm better off getting some of the optional items I'd really appreciate it!

Here's how I currently have my kit spec'ed out:
- Hydraulic clutch
- Factory side pipes and J-tubes
- IRS (going with a donor rear end and refurbish accordingly)
- Power steering
- FFR 289 GPS gauges
- Leather buckets
- 289 rollbar with Petty bar
- Ford 11" front brakes
- 15" Halibrands
- Wood steering wheel
- USRRC trunk
- Blank dash (really want to be able to use the speedo ;) )
- Wind wings
- Sun visors
- Trunk gas strut kit
- Wiper kit
- Battery cut-off
- Heater/Defroster
- Seat track kit
- Assembled side louvers
- Front brake duct set

BTW I'm still going through the pin drive vs. five-lug debate in my head, so the rear end may change to a solid rear axle ;)

Thanks!

Rob

I guess if you want real knock off wheels you have to go with a solid rear axle? Sorry if this is a Freshman question. I am closer to the beginning of the journey. I have been thinking about a Cobra for a long time and now I’m my world ready to take on this project.

[cnutting]

One upgrade you really want to consider is quieting the side pipes. The 289 is *loud*. Like, ear splitting loud. The owner of the speed shop next to my paint guys shop was shocked when he learned I was running "just" a 289 motor.

Mine was used by Bob Boig to develop the 289 quiet-er pipes. There may be other options out there now. Your neighbors will thank you.

[Stangrob]

I guess if you want real knock off wheels you have to go with a solid rear axle? Sorry if this is a Freshman question. I am closer to the beginning of the journey. I have been thinking about a Cobra for a long time and now I’m my world ready to take on this project.

Yes, that's my understanding. As a matter of fact, I've changed my order from IRS and Halibrands to the narrowed Moser solid axle. I'll be ordering the Triago knock-offs in the near future. I'm going for a "period correct" look - or at least 95% there. I will take a few liberties with the interior as I really want the speedo in front of me ;)

Rob

[Stangrob]

One upgrade you really want to consider is quieting the side pipes. The 289 is *loud*. Like, ear splitting loud. The owner of the speed shop next to my paint guys shop was shocked when he learned I was running "just" a 289 motor.

Mine was used by Bob Boig to develop the 289 quiet-er pipes. There may be other options out there now. Your neighbors will thank you.

Thanks for that info - I've been wondering about that and was trying to decide what I should do. I really want to stay on my neighbor's good side, plus I'd like to keep what little hearing I have left. I saw the Bob Boig pipes - I see there are few others now too, not sure which way to go yet. How do you like Bob's pipes?

Rob

[cnutting]

Bob's pipes have held up well. They knocked about 10dB off across the board. Definitely worth the money.

[FRM]

Haven't been checking here much since I completed my build........mostly completed that is. Spend most of my time driving and enjoying the car. Your plan looks good to me. It's yours so put it together in a fashion that it meets your expectations of the end product. The one change I'd consider from the kit is the battery location. I put mine in the trunk, but once the body is on access is limited. I have the stock pipes and the noise, while loud, isn't over the top for me. We have 2 acre zoning here so that helps. I'll admit I can't sneak in or out, but to date no complaints from the neighbors. Period correct is really nice, but considering there were only 5 original FIAs and I think just 2 surviving now????? I wasn't trying to replicate an original so I went more along the daily driver route, and I do drive it almost daily running errands and not sweating parking lots and clumsy people. I didn't trust my dash cutting skills so I got the pre-cut dash and use a gps bicycle computer for my speedo. Power steering would be nice, I don't have it, and I think I miss it only in parking lots. On the road steering seems fine. Also no heater here and I have found the engine gets plenty hot for me when it's cool/cold. The mirrors are marginal making backing into a parking space difficult, but I wouldn't change that.

I found the kit to be excellent and well thought out allowing me to just put it together. I really enjoyed this project and I hope you do as well. Good luck and I look forward to reports of your progress.

[Havranasty]

I am currently building a 289 version. I went with the complete kit, Wilwood brakes, IRS, front anti sway bar and 15" wheels. I just ordered the Breeze front mount battery box. I don't have power steering but neither did Ken Miles. :rolleyes: I debated doing my own drop trunk mod but then went forward without it. I just finished the dash sub-assembly. I put the speedometer in front of me. I have not ordered the engine and transmission yet but it will be 302 based with a TXK transmission.

[Tango]

In terms of minor kit upgrades, I found that I wanted to get rid of all the supplied worm style o-ring clamps and opted for constant pressure or heat shrink clamps because they are not expensive, they look 10X better and are more functional.

[Stangrob]

I am currently building a 289 version. I went with the complete kit, Wilwood brakes, IRS, front anti sway bar and 15" wheels. I just ordered the Breeze front mount battery box. I don't have power steering but neither did Ken Miles. :rolleyes: I debated doing my own drop trunk mod but then went forward without it. I just finished the dash sub-assembly. I put the speedometer in front of me. I have not ordered the engine and transmission yet but it will be 302 based with a TXK transmission.

I'm curious - how did you get the Wilwood brakes to work with 15" rims? Did you get another set from Wilwood directly? I was under the impression that the Wilwood brakes that FFR sells only fit with their larger rims?

Thanks!

Rob

[Stangrob]

In terms of minor kit upgrades, I found that I wanted to get rid of all the supplied worm style o-ring clamps and opted for constant pressure or heat shrink clamps because they are not expensive, they look 10X better and are more functional.

Tango, that's very interesting. Do you have a link to those clamps that you used?

Thanks!

Rob

[Tango]

For the heater hoses of a coyote: MroMax 20Pcs 0.83"(21mm) ID... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082GS14NN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share….(I replaced the hoses with silicone)

For the coolant plumbing of a coyote: PowerGrip SB Thermoplastic Hose Clamp https://a.co/d/iJRtZ0q. (I replaced the hoses with silicone and aluminum piping)

For all the rando hoses and vacuume shutoffs: Tnisesm 80Pcs Spring Band Hose... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL9QCKN2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Just to be clear, I have a shoe box of other clamps/hoses that I purchased…but these were the keepers.

[Havranasty]

Gordon Levy at Levy Racing in Arizona. He has what you need.

[tundra2050]

I can't wait for Strangrob and the others to start their builds. I have my completion date of 11/8. I agree there's not many 289s, but the advice from everyone here has been a great asset. I haven't asked the questions over the past several years because I wasn't sure if this was going to workout. But now that I'm committed, I hope I don't offend anyone by asking too many questions.

I saw a post once where the builder said don't buy all the options at once from FFR because you can probably source them somewhere else for probably less. I went with the bare minimum with the only options being cutouts and pin drive. I'm going to build in stages as much as possible to spread the costs over time. I'm going to look locally for a shop that can narrow a Ford 8.8 sold rear before settling with a FFR Moser if I have to. Also there rear brakes because of the bracket. I'll probably get the Trigo wheels and knock offs. Unfortunately, they're no longer offering the 289 wheels. I'll also get the Boig Quiet Pipes. I'd like to eventually prep for heater/defroster (although probably not needed in Texas). Definitely the vintage wipers for possible future resale.

I would like to add the Russ Thompson (RIP) drop trunk. Not sure if that's possible anymore. Eventually, I'd like to change out some things to some of the cool minor things that people have fabricated or purchased for added cosmetic authenticity.

Then engine and trans before putting the body on. And add the oil cooler.

That's kind of the plan for now.

Best of luck to those who recently purchased. I'm excited for this challenge and working with my hands on something other than a keyboard or notepad.

[gbranham]

I would like to add the Russ Thompson (RIP) drop trunk. Not sure if that's possible anymore.



i.e.427 and Mountain Metalworks both have a turnkey solution for a drop trunk.

Greg

[Sundowners]

Hi all,
I am also just starting the 289 kit. I bought my kit last year and had it delivered in February. I originally wanted to buy the kit a couple months ago and personally pick it up on my Birthday (Sept 9th). But... with the special sale that Factory 5 had at the end of last year... and their comments on how they had to raise prices in 2025, I took the bait and ordered it. Well, we all have seen the specials that they had this year, so I guess I was a sucker. Well, I was going to buy it anyways so maybe I shouldn't complain, it is in my garage now. I just missed out on the road trip experience.

Ordered mine with few options.
Pin Drive front
Manual Steering
IRS.... yes, more on that later
Standard seats, I really want to get one low back Kirkey for the driver side and leave the standard seat in the passenger, Just like the factory five car.
Wiper kit
Heater/Defroster
Hydraulic clutch
Front Brake Ducts

As I look at other builds, I start seeing other options that I would like to investigate; Battery mount for the front, Thicker firewall, hard mount of the steering rack, etc.
I'll be starting a build here and will be asking a lot of questions. :D

[Stangrob]

Yeah, I’m definitely interested in hearing more about your pin drive front and IRS combo ;)

Rob

[Shamilton289]

I received my 289 kit Labor Day Weekend. Minimal options…no heater, no a/c, no p/s. Planning to build my own 289 engine (mostly done with gathering parts and machine work). I also plan to rebuild a C4 (I know, I know..). Currently rebuilding an 8.8 housing to be installed as a 3 link.
The design option I’m tossing around is doing under-car rear-exit exhaust. I have a local fab shop lined up do do the pipes, but I’m curious as to header options. Wondering if 65/66 Mustang Tri-Y headers might fit, as used on the GT350 Mustangs?

Who else has tried headers other than forward-facing shorties?

[tundra2050]

I went with minimal options as I'm building in phases. Also, I've seen that F5 has periodic sales and another forum member suggested other sourcing for options, sometimes at better prices. I will eventually add wipers for possible resale value, but I don't think a heater is needed in North TX even in the winter from what I hear about engine heat. I do plan to add "cool air" ducts with marine blowers. I didn't get the vintage low back, but will add later as well. I also got manual steering to keep it as close to period correct as possible, but now leaning to power s. I'd like to try m/s first tho.

I look forward to seeing options y'all go with and how your build progresses. My kit was supposed to have been completed this past Saturday, but I haven't heard anything yet. I've got to get on building that buck and dolly.

[Stangrob]

I received my 289 kit Labor Day Weekend. Minimal options…no heater, no a/c, no p/s. Planning to build my own 289 engine (mostly done with gathering parts and machine work). I also plan to rebuild a C4 (I know, I know..). Currently rebuilding an 8.8 housing to be installed as a 3 link.
The design option I’m tossing around is doing under-car rear-exit exhaust. I have a local fab shop lined up do do the pipes, but I’m curious as to header options. Wondering if 65/66 Mustang Tri-Y headers might fit, as used on the GT350 Mustangs?

Who else has tried headers other than forward-facing shorties?

I’m building my own SBF as well - currently leaning towards a 331 but for some reason I keep thinking about a 289. I’ve got a standard bore 289 block as the foundation for either build.

You asked a great question about existing long tube headers and the roadster. I don’t have the answer but I’d be curious to know too.

BTW my 289 kit will be delivered next week :D

Rob

[edwardb]

... but I don't think a heater is needed in North TX even in the winter from what I hear about engine heat...

Obviously I don't know who you're hearing that from. But a properly insulated cockpit with all air infiltration blocked doesn't feel the engine heat. Lots of examples on the forum. I'm not saying you need a heater in a warm climate. We've run only seat heaters on a couple builds here in Michigan.

[Shamilton289]

I’m building my own SBF as well - currently leaning towards a 331 but for some reason I keep thinking about a 289. I’ve got a standard bore 289 block as the foundation for either build.

You asked a great question about existing long tube headers and the roadster. I don’t have the answer but I’d be curious to know too.

BTW my 289 kit will be delivered next week :D

Rob
Building the engine I think is going to be almost as much fun as building the car itself �� I started sourcing and machining engine parts Nov 2024 but didn’t order my kit until June 2025. Doing things like cc’ing the heads and match-balancing the rods and pistons is just part of the details ��. Trying to use vintage parts also, like an F4B intake, Ford OEM Holley carb from a 67 GT 390, Boss 302 windage tray, etc.

[Jeff Kleiner]

...I’m curious as to header options. Wondering if 65/66 Mustang Tri-Y headers might fit, as used on the GT350 Mustangs?



I'd be shocked if the 65/66 headers would fit. There are Tri-Y headers available for Fox bodys but they are full length, not shorties.

Jeff

[Shamilton289]

I'd be shocked if the 65/66 headers would fit. There are Tri-Y headers available for Fox bodys but they are full length, not shorties.

Jeff
I would be shocked also, but I’m still curious. Every time I did Tri-Y’s on an early Mustang it was such an easy install, with good clearance past shock towers, starter, steering box. I know another member here used block hugger headers.
Worst headers I ever did was on my 69 Mach I with 428CJ ��
Just wondering.

[Grubester]

Good on the 289-style! I'm building a Mk4 / 289, with a BPE 347/TKX, forward-shift. I like the 15" FFR wheels.
Also:
Forward firewall, drop trunk and turn indicators (both i.e.427), front/low battery mt., blank dash (setting instr. locations now), Sparco seat tracks -- working out the floor mounting [ugh] and the "riser angle" for the front of the seat.
Exhaust:
I've mentioned before, I'm working on under-car, out-the-rear exhaust. A challenge with IRS due to the toe link. Doable if I keep the oval exhaust pipe AND the muffler (custom?) at 1.5" thickness. Another 'ugh'
Build advice:
If first-time build (mine is) enjoy the challenges of figuring out fabrication solutions along the way -- it's not just an "assembly project". Deburr everything really well. At each stage of the build, ask yourself 'what was the design intent.' Understand that. Oh, the Forum is a god-send!!!